People with a Success Mindset Don’t Waste Time on These 5 Things, According to Psychology

A success mindset is critical to achieving your goals and reaching your full potential. But what does it mean to have a “success mindset”? Psychological research points to several telltale behaviors that set successful people apart. Specifically, there are five significant time-wasters that those with a success-oriented outlook learn to avoid. Let’s explore each one.

1. Mindless Scrolling

Picture this: It’s been a long day, and you finally have a moment to yourself. You pick up your phone and start scrolling through your social media feeds, and suddenly, an hour has passed. Sound familiar? In today’s digital world, falling into the bottomless pit of mindless scrolling is easy.

But here’s the thing: Studies show that this seemingly harmless habit can slowly chip away at your well-being. You might feel guilty for wasting time that could have been spent on something more meaningful. That guilt stems from a phenomenon researchers call “goal conflict”—the uneasy feeling that your actions don’t align with your priorities.

Successful people are keenly aware of how precious their time is. When they use social media or browse the web, they do so with a clear purpose in mind. They might be looking for specific information, connecting with valued contacts, or taking a deliberate break. But aimless scrolling? That’s not on the agenda.

2. Multitasking Mania

We’ve all been there: Juggling multiple tasks, convinced we’re being super efficient, except… we’re not. Decades of research in psychology and neuroscience have reached a clear conclusion: Multitasking is a myth.

When we think we’re multitasking, we’re really doing rapid task switching. And all that switching comes with a cognitive cost. Our brains need time to recalibrate with each switch, leading to decreased efficiency and more mistakes. Studies suggest that heavy multitasking can cut productivity by a staggering 40%.

Those with a success mindset have taken this lesson to heart. They focus on one task at a time, giving it their full attention before moving on to the next. This “monotasking” approach allows for deeper concentration and higher-quality work.

3. The Negative Self-Talk Trap

We all have an inner voice, and how we use it matters more than you think. Successful people have learned to be mindful of their self-talk and understand its power over their mindset and performance.

Imagine an athlete before a big game. If their inner monologue is filled with self-doubt and worst-case scenarios, it will be tough to perform at their best. The same principle applies in high-stakes situations, whether you’re presenting or tackling a challenging project.

Research shows that negative self-talk can ramp up stress, anxiety, and even depression. Conversely, positive, compassionate self-talk is linked with greater resilience and improved performance. Successful people make a habit of reframing challenges as opportunities. Instead of beating themselves up over setbacks, they seek learning opportunities and keep moving forward.

4. The Procrastination Pitfall

Procrastination: the thief of time and enemy of productivity. Those with a success mindset have learned to manage this common pitfall proactively. They know that the long-term stress and diminished results quickly outweigh the short-term relief of putting off a task.

Successful people tackle important tasks head-on, whether it’s a looming work project or a personal goal. They might break a daunting project into smaller, manageable steps. They set clear deadlines for themselves and enlist accountability partners to help them stay on track.

They maintain steady progress by consistently showing up and doing the work, even when it’s uncomfortable. They also avoid the frantic last-minute scramble that’s all too familiar to chronic procrastinators.

5. The Perfectionism Paradox

Striving for excellence is one thing; getting bogged down in perfectionism is another. Successful people understand this crucial distinction.

At first glance, perfectionism might seem like a positive trait. After all, what’s wrong with wanting things to be just right? However, research reveals a darker side to this mindset. Perfectionists often struggle with procrastination, burnout, and even depression. The fear of failing to meet their unrealistic standards can be paralyzing.

Those with a success mindset aim high but also know when to say “good enough.” They prioritize progress over perfection, recognizing that done is often better than perfect. This allows them to keep moving forward, even amid uncertainty or setbacks.

Case Study: Diana’s Journey to a Success Mindset

Diana, a busy attorney, constantly felt overwhelmed and unfulfilled despite her professional achievements. She was continually handling multiple cases, trying to meet tight deadlines while attempting to have a personal life. Diana’s self-talk was often negative, focusing on her shortcomings rather than her strengths. She knew something needed to change if she wanted to find greater satisfaction and success in both her career and personal life.

Determined to make a shift, Diana started by reevaluating her relationship with technology. She set clear boundaries around her social media and email use, dedicating specific times to check messages rather than letting them constantly interrupt her focus. She also began prioritizing her tasks more effectively, focusing on one critical case at a time rather than continually switching between them.

As Diana became more intentional with her time and energy, she also started paying closer attention to her inner dialogue. When she caught herself in a spiral of negative self-talk, she would pause and reframe her thoughts more positively and compassionately. She celebrated her wins, no matter how small, and chose to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Over time, these tiny changes started to add up. Diana felt more in control of her time and more confident in her abilities. She was able to be more fully present, both at work and in her personal life. While she still faced stressful situations and setbacks, she was able to approach them with greater resilience and perspective. By embracing a success mindset, Diana discovered greater fulfillment and effectiveness in all areas of her life.

Key Takeaways

• Successful people are intentional about their time online, avoiding mindless scrolling in favor of purposeful activities that align with their goals.
• Monotasking, or focusing intensely on one task at a time, is more effective than attempting to multitask, which can significantly reduce productivity.
• Cultivating positive, compassionate self-talk can boost resilience and performance, while negative self-talk can increase stress and anxiety.
• Tackling important tasks head-on, often by breaking them into smaller steps and setting clear deadlines, is critical to overcoming procrastination and maintaining steady progress.
• Prioritizing progress over perfection allows successful people to progress despite setbacks or uncertainty.
• Developing a success mindset is an ongoing journey that involves consistent practice and self-awareness to reshape habits and thought patterns.

Conclusion

Success is as much about what you don’t do as what you do. By steering clear of these five expected time traps—mindless scrolling, multitasking, negative self-talk, procrastination, and perfectionism—you free up your resources for what truly matters.

Developing a success mindset is a journey, not a destination. It takes practice and self-awareness to change long-standing habits. But bit by bit, choice by choice, you can reshape your mindset and set yourself up for tremendous success. However, you define it.